Economic developments

Question 1

Evidence that Britains economy was not in decline

Answer 1

Britain produced 60% of the worlds ships
GDP increased by 1.7% each year
Coal mining: 1900 - 223 million tonnes vs 1913 - 278 million tonnes
By 1913, export of raw materials increased by 238%

Question 2

Evidence that Britain’s economy was in decline

Answer 2

In 1913 the USA produced 13 million tonnes of steel and the UK only produced 5 million
Canned meat from Argentina put the meat industry in decline: 1899 - 40% meat came from abroad
In 1901, agricultural workers went from 1 million to 600,000

Question 3

Arguments in favour of free trade

Answer 3

Food cheaper for WC
Stimulates economic growth
Encourages trade with other countries

Question 4

Arguments against free trade

Answer 4

Britain loses out on taxation
Farmers unhappy
Britain overtaken by foreign countries